Cost-based resource management for filecasting services in hybrid DVB-H and 3G systems

This paper describes and evaluates a novel resource management technique for minimizing the file transmission cost in a hybrid cellular-broadcasting system. While DVB-H technology is utilized for wide area broadcasting, the 3G-HSDPA system takes the role of providing not only feedback about reception conditions, but also on-demand repair information to the users that have missed part of the DVB-H transmissions. The application layer - forward error correction with Raptor coding is used to generate parity data that is sent to the users through both cellular and broadcasting system. Our results show significant potential for cost reduction under certain settings and scenarios. Overall, we think that the outcomes of this study should encourage the interworking of cellular 3G and DVB-H broadcasting systems, in an effort to achieve cost efficient delivery of multimedia content to mobile users.